USDA Forest Service · California

Onion Valley

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

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Sites
30
Hookups
22 no hookups
Season
May 15 to October 24
Max RV length
25 ft
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
9,626 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile weak · Verizon weak · AT&T none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Inyo National Forest
Address
Independence, CA
Phone
760-937-6070
Activities
Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Viewing

30 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

This quiet campground is set amidst breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, thick forests and waterfalls in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Its location on the creek and proximity to the John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, photographers and those who want to relax in a peaceful, natural setting.

Recreation

Majestic scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The campground is near Kearsarge Pass, Robinson Lake and Golden Trout Lakes Trailheads, which access several alpine lakes and mountain peaks within the John Muir Wilderness, as well as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing. From the campground, anglers can try for rainbow, brown, brook and Alpers trout in Robinson Lake and a nearby creek.

Facilities

The campground is tucked away near the end of Onion Valley Road. Campsites are private and primitive, and every site has a scenic view. Amenities include vault toilets, and bear-proof food storage lockers, which campers are required to use. Firewood is for sale on-site.

Natural Features

Situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet, the campground is surrounded by the towering peaks of the John Muir Wilderness and immersed in shrubs, lodgepole pine and aspens. Lovely wildflowers color the landscape in late spring and early summer. The campground is adjacent to a creek and lake.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear,which frequent the campground, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

Nearby Attractions

Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Some trails lead into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to the west.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January29°17°-3°47°11 of 11
February30°16°-3°43°11 of 11
March34°19°2°56°11 of 11
April43°26°10°56°11 of 11
May55°37°14°69°8 of 11
June70°50°23°79°1 of 11
July77°57°47°84°0 of 11
August73°55°45°81°0 of 11
September65°48°36°74°0 of 11
October55°36°9°69°6 of 10
November44°30°7°58°8 of 10
December33°20°-11°48°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.